Ovarian germ cell tumors are derived from primordial germ cells of the ovary (figure 1). They may be benign or malignant. These neoplasms comprise approximately 20 to 25 percent of ovarian neoplasms overall, but account for only about 5 percent of all malignant ovarian neoplasms [1-3]. Ovarian germ cell tumors arise primarily in young women between 10 and 30 years of age and represent 70 percent of ovarian neoplasms in this age group [4].

Ovarian germ cell tumors can be broadly divided into those that differentiate towards embryo-like neoplasms (teratomas and their subtypes and dysgerminomas) and those that differentiate primarily toward extraembryonic fetal-derived (placenta-like) cell populations or a mixture of both. Categories include:

To continue reading this article, you must log in with your personal, hospital,
or group practice subscription. For more information or to purchase a personal subscription, click below on
the option that best describes you: